Everyone would basically be 50% happier if everyone dressed a little better. Clothes are everywhere. Everyone doesn’t have to be a clothes hound, but if the girls looked pretty and the guys looked nice, people would be happier and even more optimistic about the future. pic.twitter.com/iQcNPL1cMl
“View of the Colosseum” 1747 Giovanni Paolo Panini
Special event safety and sustainability — keeping large groups of people safe and engaged in the event itself — cuts across many disciplines. Educational settlements are ideal settings and the raison d’être for these communities everywhere.
Today we charge through the best practice catalogs of the following standards setting organizations:
At the moment we cover outdoor and indoor events because, conceptually, there is substantial overlap. It is likely, however, that in the fullness of time we will have to break down the coverage between exterior and interior events.
There are a number of titles from the foregoing short list of SDO’s that are open for consultation during the next 30 to 90 days so it is not likely we will have time to examine other niche SDO’s in the special event domain. For example:
Action on open global and government consultations, and examination of developments in the research bibliography will have to wait for another day also. We cover them fairly well in the breakout meetings shown on our CALENDAR.
As always, today’s colloquium in open to everyone with the login credentials available on the upper right of our home page.
The Life Safety Code addresses those construction, protection, and occupancy features necessary to minimize danger to life from the effects of fire, including smoke, heat, and toxic gases created during a fire. It is widely incorporated by reference into public safety statutes; typically coupled with the consensus products of the International Code Council. It is a mighty document — one of the NFPA’s leading titles — so we deal with it in pieces; consulting it for decisions to be made for the following:
(1) Determination of the occupancy classification in Chapters 12 through 42.
(2) Determination of whether a building or structure is new or existing.
(3) Determination of the occupant load.
(4) Determination of the hazard of contents.
There are emergent issues — such as active shooter response, integration of life and fire safety systems on the internet of small things — and recurrent issues such as excessive rehabilitation and conformity criteria and the ever-expanding requirements for sprinklers and portable fire extinguishers with which to reckon. It is never easy telling a safety professional paid to make a market for his product or service that it is impossible to be alive and safe. It is even harder telling the dean of a department how much it will cost to bring the square-footage under his stewardship up to the current code.
The 2021 edition is the current edition and is accessible below:
Public input on the 2027 Revision will be received until June 4, 2024. Public comment on the First Draft of the 2027 Revision will be received until June 3, 2025.
Since the Life Safety Code is one of the most “living” of living documents — the International Building Code and the National Electric Code also move continuously — we can start anywhere and anytime and still make meaningful contributions to it. We have been advocating in this document since the 2003 edition in which we submitted proposals for changes such as:
• A student residence facility life safety crosswalk between NFPA 101 and the International Building Code
• Refinements to Chapters 14 and 15 covering education facilities (with particular attention to door technologies)
• Identification of an ingress path for rescue and recovery personnel toward electric service equipment installations.
• Risk-informed requirement for installation of grab bars in bathing areas
• Modification of the 90-minute emergency lighting requirements rule for small buildings and for fixed interval testing
• Modification of emergency illumination fixed interval testing
• Table 7.3.1 Occupant Load revisions
• Harmonization of egress path width with European building codes
There are others. It is typically difficult to make changes to stabilized standard though some of the concepts were integrated by the committee into other parts of the NFPA 101 in unexpected, though productive, ways. Example transcripts of proposed 2023 revisions to the education facility chapter is linked below:
Since NFPA 101 is so vast in its implications we list a few of the sections we track, and can drill into further, according to client interest:
Chapter 3: Definitions
Chapter 7: Means of Egress
Chapter 12: New Assembly Occupancies
Chapter 13: Existing Assembly Occupancies
Chapter 16 Public Input Report: New Day-Care Facilities
Chapter 17 Public Input Report: Existing Day Care Facilities
Chapter 18 Public Input Report: New Health Care Facilities
Chapter 19 Public Input Report: Existing Health Care Facilities
Chapter 28: Public Input Report: New Hotels and Dormitories
Chapter 29: Public Input Report: Existing Hotels and Dormitories
Chapter 43: Building Rehabilitation
Annex A: Explanatory Material
As always we encourage front-line staff, facility managers, subject matter experts and trade associations to participate directly in the NFPA code development process (CLICK HERE to get started)
NFPA 101 is a cross-cutting title so we maintain it on the agenda of our several colloquia —Housing, Prometheus, Security and Pathways colloquia. See our CALENDAR for the next online meeting; open to everyone.
Issue: [18-90]
Category: Fire Safety, Public Safety
Colleagues: Mike Anthony, Josh Elvove, Joe DeRosier, Marcelo Hirschler
The development of this standard is coordinated with the ICC Group A Codes. We have tracked concepts in it previous revisions; available in the link below.
As always, we encourage our colleagues with workpoint experience to participate directly in the ICC Code Development process. CLICK HERE to get started.
Issue: [15-283]
Category: Athletics & Recreation, Architectural, Public Safety
Contact: Mike Anthony, Jack Janveja, Richard Robben
Colkett, Victoria Susanna; King’s College Chapel, Cambridge, as Seen from Clare Hall Piece and Crotches; National Trust, Anglesey Abbey;
Best practice discovery and promulgation for land use between colleges and universities and their host municipalities in the United States is hastened by a combination of codes, standards, and government regulations. Here are some key ones:
Zoning Codes: Zoning ordinances dictate land use within municipalities, including where educational institutions can be located and what activities they can undertake.
Building Codes: These are regulations that govern the construction and maintenance of buildings. Educational institutions must comply with these codes for the safety and welfare of their occupants.
Fire Codes: Fire codes ensure that buildings meet safety standards regarding fire prevention, evacuation procedures, and firefighting equipment. Compliance is crucial for the safety of students and staff.
Health Codes: Health codes set standards for sanitation, food safety, and other health-related matters. Colleges and universities, especially those with dining facilities and student housing, must adhere to these regulations.
Environmental Regulations: These regulations govern environmental protection, waste management, and pollution control. Educational institutions may need to comply with federal, state, and local environmental laws.
Parking and Transportation Regulations: Municipalities often have regulations concerning parking, traffic flow, and public transportation. Colleges and universities must consider these factors when planning campus infrastructure and events.
I don’t think that house will pass an inspection. There are so many zoning violations. pic.twitter.com/cWDHvbnwkG
Land Use Regulations: Beyond zoning codes, municipalities may have additional land use regulations that affect educational institutions, such as restrictions on expansion or development in certain areas.
Permitting and Licensing Requirements: Colleges and universities may need permits or licenses for certain activities, such as hosting events, serving alcohol, or operating transportation services.
Taxation Laws: While educational institutions often enjoy tax-exempt status, they may still be subject to certain taxes, such as property taxes on non-educational properties or sales taxes on commercial activities.
Student Housing Regulations: Some municipalities have specific regulations governing student housing, including occupancy limits, safety standards, and rental property inspections.
Noise Ordinances: Municipalities may have ordinances regulating noise levels, particularly in residential areas. Colleges and universities must consider these regulations when planning events or construction activities.
Community Relations Agreements: In some cases, colleges and universities may enter into agreements with their host municipalities to address specific issues or concerns, such as traffic management, public safety, or community engagement initiatives.
During today’s colloquium we explore the catalogs of the dominant standards developments whose titles are most frequently incorporated by reference into local statues. Use the login credentials at the upper right of our home page.
Chesterton’s Fence is a simple rule of thumb that suggests you should never destroy a fence, change a rule, or alter a tradition if you do not understand why it was created in the first place. China’s Four Pests Campaign during the Great Leap Forward shows the tragic consequences of meddling with things we do not fully understand.
Several organizations set standards for the design, construction, and maintenance of sports fences. Some of the key organizations include:
ASTM International develops and publishes voluntary consensus technical standards for a wide range of materials, products, systems, and services, including those related to sports fencing. Relevant standards include:
2. American Sports Builders Association (ASBA)
ASBA provides guidelines and specifications for the construction and maintenance of sports facilities, including fencing for various sports. They offer resources, best practices, and certification programs for sports builders.
3. International Code Council (ICC)
The ICC publishes the International Building Code (IBC), which includes guidelines for the construction and safety standards for sports facilities. The IBC is widely adopted by jurisdictions across the United States and provides a comprehensive set of regulations for building construction.
4. National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA)
NRPA sets standards and best practices for the design, construction, and maintenance of parks and recreational facilities, including sports fences. They provide resources and training to professionals in the field.
5. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
OSHA sets and enforces standards to ensure safe and healthful working conditions. This includes guidelines for workplace safety during the installation and maintenance of sports fences.
The FIA provides industry-specific standards and best practices for the fencing industry. They offer resources, training, and certifications for professionals involved in the design, construction, and maintenance of fences.
In the United States, land surveying is regulated by various professional organizations and government agencies, and there are several technical standards that must be followed to ensure accuracy and consistency in land surveying.
The best practice for land surveying is set by the “Manual of Surveying Instructions” published by an administrative division of the United States Department of the Interior responsible for managing public lands in the United States. The manual provides detailed guidance on the procedures and techniques for conducting various types of land surveys, including public land surveys, mineral surveys, and cadastral surveys.
Another important set of model standards for land surveying is the Minimum Standards for Property Boundary Surveys* published by the National Society of Professional Surveyors. These standards provide guidance on the procedures and techniques for conducting property boundary surveys, including the use of appropriate surveying equipment, the preparation of surveying maps and plats, and the documentation of surveying results. Land surveyors in the United States are also required to adhere to state and local laws and regulations governing land surveying, as well as ethical standards established by professional organizations such as the American Society of Civil Engineers.
The Morrill Land-Grant Act of 1862 granted each state 30,000 acres of federal land for each member of Congress from that state to establish colleges that would teach agriculture, engineering, and military tactics. This legislation led to the establishment of many public universities, including the Texas A&M University, the University of Wisconsin and Michigan State University.
The purpose of the code is to establish minimum requirements to provide a reasonable level of health, safety, property protection and welfare by controlling the design, location, use or occupancy of all buildings and structures through the regulated and orderly development of land and land uses within this jurisdiction.
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Municipalities usually have specific land use or zoning considerations to accommodate the unique needs and characteristics of college towns:
Mixed-Use Zoning: Cities with colleges and universities often employ mixed-use zoning strategies to encourage a vibrant and diverse urban environment. This zoning approach allows for a combination of residential, commercial, and institutional uses within the same area, fostering a sense of community and facilitating interactions between students, faculty, and residents.
Height and Density Restrictions: Due to the presence of educational institutions, cities may have specific regulations on building height and density to ensure compatibility with the surrounding neighborhoods and maintain the character of the area. These restrictions help balance the need for development with the preservation of the existing urban fabric.
Student Housing: Cities with colleges and universities may have regulations or guidelines for student housing to ensure an adequate supply of affordable and safe accommodations for students. This can include requirements for minimum bedroom sizes, occupancy limits, and proximity to campus.
Parking and Transportation: Given the concentration of students, faculty, and staff, parking and transportation considerations are crucial. Cities may require educational institutions to provide parking facilities or implement transportation demand management strategies, such as promoting public transit use, cycling infrastructure, and pedestrian-friendly designs.
Community Engagement: Some cities encourage colleges and universities to engage with the local community through formalized agreements or community benefit plans. These may include commitments to support local businesses, contribute to neighborhood improvement projects, or provide educational and cultural resources to residents.
This is a relatively new title in the International Code Council catalog; revised every three years in the Group B tranche of titles. Search on character strings such as “zoning” in the link below reveals the ideas that ran through the current revision:
Reed v. Town of Gilbert (2015): This Supreme Court case involved a challenge to the town of Gilbert, Arizona’s sign code, which regulated the size, location, and duration of signs based on their content. The court held that the sign code was a content-based restriction on speech and therefore subject to strict scrutiny.
City of Ladue v. Gilleo (1994): In this Supreme Court case, the court struck down a municipal ordinance that banned the display of signs on residential property, except for signs that fell within specific exemptions. The court held that the ban was an unconstitutional restriction on the freedom of speech.
Metromedia, Inc. v. San Diego (1981): This Supreme Court case involved a challenge to a San Diego ordinance that banned off-premises advertising signs while allowing on-premises signs. The court held that the ordinance was an unconstitutional restriction on free speech, as it discriminated against certain types of speech.
City of Ladue v. Center for the Study of Responsive Law, Inc. (1980): In this Supreme Court case, the court upheld a municipal ordinance that prohibited the display of signs on public property, but only if the signs were posted for longer than 10 days. The court held that the ordinance was a valid time, place, and manner restriction on speech.
City of Boerne v. Flores (1997): This Supreme Court case involved a challenge to a municipal sign code that regulated the size, location, and content of signs in the city. The court held that the sign code violated the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, as it burdened the exercise of religion without a compelling government interest.
New update alert! The 2022 update to the Trademark Assignment Dataset is now available online. Find 1.29 million trademark assignments, involving 2.28 million unique trademark properties issued by the USPTO between March 1952 and January 2023: https://t.co/njrDAbSpwBpic.twitter.com/GkAXrHoQ9T
